itsme_lori 's review for:

Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin

4.0

---

I have so many thoughts on this book that I need to sort through but mostly I think Riley might be one of the most important characters I'll read about all year. I'll be honest and admit that I know very little about gender fluidity but this book did a great job explaining at least Riley's experience with it without feeling too much like a lecture. This book was raw and emotional and moving. It was heartbreaking at times but also empowering. I think this book will speak to a lot of people who are just trying to figure out who they are and how to be that person, especially during their teen years. We all experience times of uncertainty and self-doubt. Those are the things that make us all human no matter where our gender dial may point. This book does a good job of sharing Riley's story in a way lots of people can relate to. And while I do wish the story had been a little bit stronger and a little less focused on Riley's 'does she or doesn't she like me' thoughts, the overall message was more than enough to make up for it.